Darland Banks 19/08/21

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Mostly sunny this afternoon so another visit to Darland Banks was hard to resist.

Having failed to see Adonis Blue at Strawberry Banks the previous day I was hoping to find them here. The banks still had good numbers of Chalkhill Blue though many are now looking quite worn, the males relatively pale for example. Also nice to see a fair number of Common Blue, most in reasonably good condition, plus the first Small Heath for many weeks.

It was not until reaching the west end of the site, at the bottom of the banks, that I found any Adonis. The area is fairly sheltered and probably warmer. Even so only two males were found, both in pristine condition and hence likely to have recently emerged.

Relatively few Nymphalids today with singles only of Red Admiral, Peacock, and Small Tortoiseshell. On the way back I carried on towards Hoath Close where a Large Tortoiseshell had been seen some 10 days earlier. It was a long shot and unsuccessful, but you never know!

Adonis Blue

Adonis Blue

Area where Adonis Blue found

Common Blue (female)

Small Tortoiseshell

Small Heath

Speckled Wood





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